Palestinians Owe Yasir Arafat Their Present and Future

Published: January 30, 1996

To the Editor:

Re "The Reality of Palestine" (Op-Ed, Jan. 24):

It is strange how a Palestinian intellectual like Anton Shammas can call Yasir Arafat, the Palestinian leader, "one of the worst tragedies that the Palestinians have ever suffered" and the Oslo peace accords, which Mr. Arafat negotiated, "the worst deal ever."

Since 1948 the Palestinians have not controlled their own destiny. All their efforts to subdue Israel and its long occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip through violence were fruitless. Just two and a half years ago, Mr. Arafat was operating out of Tunis, devoid of funds, military options and political support.

Today Mr. Arafat has already established a Palestinian presence in much of the occupied territories, and more is slated, including a Palestinian state. And all that under the Oslo accords.

Even if these accords should bog down, Mr. Arafat holds some strategic cards. As a result of Oslo, his elected authority enjoys international recognition. Israeli political society is divided, and the Palestinians in the territories are well armed for a guerrilla war. It will not be easy for Israel to hold back on statehood and East Jerusalem for long.

Many Palestinian intellectuals in America have accused Mr. Arafat of selling out. Judging from his achievements, they should call him brilliant. Where would he and the Palestinians be today if he had balked at Oslo?

CLINTON BAILEY Hartford, Jan. 24, 1996 The writer, a specialist in Palestinian affairs, is a visiting professor at Trinity College.